Detective Sherdil: A Lackluster Murder Mystery That Misses the Mark
A Disappointing Whodunit
The real question isn't about who committed the crime, but rather why this uninspired murder mystery was even produced. Was it a desperate attempt to revive interest, or perhaps a contractual obligation? It feels as though the creators were compelled to deliver a mystery devoid of any twists or engaging elements, leaving both them and the audience disinterested.
Once again, Zee5 has delivered a lackluster offering, showcasing their knack for missteps. Detective Sherdil is intended to be witty, sharp, and entertaining, yet he plays the harmonica at every opportunity, regardless of the situation—be it a corpse or an unremarkable character. His musical talent seems reminiscent of Rajesh Khanna's iconic role, but without the charm.
This character should have been captivating, akin to Sherlock Holmes or his Bengali counterpart Byomkesh. However, portrayed by the usually charming Diljit Dosanjh, Sherdil is as engaging as the case he investigates. The plot revolves around the brutal murder of an NRI tycoon, Pankaj Bhatti, played by Boman Irani, who is reminiscent of infamous figures.
The list of suspects grows rapidly, resembling a stack of roti left unattended at a roadside eatery. It seems everyone could be a potential culprit. Sherdil and his assistant Natasha, played by Diana Penty, are on the case, but the narrative lacks any real momentum. The writing feels like it belongs to a patron who has overstayed their welcome in the cinema.
Among the suspects is the tycoon's arrogant wife, portrayed by Ratna Pathak Shah, who channels a less-than-pleasant version of Sushma Seth. Banita Sandhu plays the tycoon's mute and deaf daughter, who has certainly evolved since her role in Shoojit Sircar's October, though her character's development is hardly noticeable.
Talented actors like Boman Irani and Sumeet Vyas either fade into the background or deliver mediocre performances. Diljit Dosanjh, once known for his self-deprecating humor, now seems to embody a caricature of himself, losing the charm that once defined him.
Detective Sherdil leaves viewers with mixed emotions, and I truly mean mixed. The direction by Ravi Chhabriya is so poor that it often feels like we are watching outtakes from an unfinished series, plagued by inconsistent character portrayals and juvenile writing. The budget constraints are evident in every aspect of the production, and the humor is so weak that it feels like the joke is on the audience.
As the film concludes, we are teased with the promise of more from Sherdil Saab. However, I think I’ll pass on any future installments.